School of Arts and Sciences
MAJOR AND MINOR DESCRIPTIONS BY DEPARTMENT
MUSIC
The Department of Music makes music through composition, improvisation, and performance and explores music’s meaning in the structure of individual works, the relations between them, and their place in the cultures that produce them. One of the most exciting things about music is that it brings together different types of thought and action. The most sensory and practical things and the most theoretical and abstract ones cannot be separated in the musician’s world. Thus, music enjoys a special place in the endeavor to understand ourselves. The program for majors is designed to introduce students to all the above ideas and activities, and students throughout the University are invited to join in any of them. In support of this multifaceted program, the department has assembled a diverse faculty, including experts in composition, performance, theory, history, jazz, and ethnomusicology and is committed to the principle of conducting its activities within an atmosphere that encourages communication and cooperation within that diversity. The department also welcomes double majors from all colleges within the University. For more information on the major, the minor, and the Department of Music, see http://www.music.pitt.edu/.
Note: Students considering declaring a music major or minor should take the Music Theory Placement test, available at the Arts & Sciences Advising Center. A sufficient score will exempt them from the required Music 0100 Fundamentals of Western Music class. This exam takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Major Requirements
The music major, which includes the option to pursue either the standard music track or the jazz track major, requires a total of 40 credits. Music majors may earn an additional 20 credits in music courses toward the A&S graduation requirement of 120 credits. Required credits include the following:
Prerequisite courses (6 credits)
- MUSIC 0131 Preparation for Music Theory
- MUSIC 0111 Keyboard Harmony
Both courses may be taken during either the fall or spring term. Prerequisite courses should be taken in the freshman year if a student plans to declare a music major. The prerequisite courses do not count toward the major and are intended to prepare students in music theory and harmony. The theory course (MUSIC 0131) must be passed with a B- or better in order for a student to be accepted as a music major. All students considering a music major must take a music theory placement examination prior to enrolling in the music theory course. Students may exempt prerequisites through credit by examination.
Required courses
All music majors must take the following courses, all of which must be taken for a letter grade:
- MUSIC 0411, 0415, 0417, and 0419 Theory 1, 2, 3, and 4
- MUSIC 0412, 0416, 0418, and 0420 Musicianship 1, 2, 3, and 4
- MUSIC 0222 History of Western Music to 1750
- MUSIC 0224 History of Western Music since 1750
Applied music requirements
All music majors are required to take three semesters of private lessons and three semesters of ensemble participation. Private lessons are available on a fee basis, and music majors have first priority in scheduling.
Additional Requirements for the standard music track
Students pursuing the standard music track must take the following:
- One course from the MUSIC 1200 series
- MUSIC 0311 Introduction to World Music or one course from the MUSIC 1300 series
- One course from the MUSIC 1400 series
- One additional course chosen from the MUSIC 1200, 1300, or 1400 series or MUSIC 1904 Senior Seminar
- Additional requirements for the jazz music track
Students pursuing the jazz music track must take the following:
- MUSIC 0711 History of Jazz
- MUSIC 1326 Afro-American Music in the U.S.
- MUSIC 1731 Jazz Arranging 1
- MUSIC 1741 Jazz Improvisation 1
Minor Requirements
The music minor offers a coherent sequence of courses that will provide students with a reasonably broad introduction to the historical, theoretical, and practical branches of music. Required courses, totaling 19 credits, are as follows:
- MUSIC 0131 Preparation for Music Theory
- MUSIC 0111 Keyboard Harmony
- MUSIC 0411 and 0415 Theory 1 and 2
- MUSIC 0412 and 0416 Musicianship 1 and 2
- MUSIC 0222 History of Western Music to 1750 or 0224 History of Western Music since 1750
- Two semesters of ensemble participation
Note: The department recommends that students considering a music minor take the prerequisite courses in the freshman year.
It is possible for students to test out of one or more of the required keyboard harmony, music theory, and/or musicianship courses; students should consult with the undergraduate advisor and/or the course instructor. The S/NC grading option (formerly the S/N option) is not permitted for required courses for the minor. All students interested in taking private lessons must complete a Request for Private Lessons form in the music department office, Room 110, Music Building. Music majors have first priority in scheduling private lessons, which cost an additional $240 per term.